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Article Wjpps 1457082206 PDF
Article Wjpps 1457082206 PDF
Srinivas et al.
Review Article
Article Received on
15 Jan 2016,
Revised on 07 Feb 2016,
Accepted on 29 Feb 2016
ABSTRACT
Water is called the elixir of life. This is, indeed, the name which the
Indian Nobel Laureate, C.V.Raman, has given it in his renowned essay
of the same name. The earth comprises two thirds of water and one
third of land. Water is also essential for life. Water is the major
*Correspondence for
Author
constituent of almost all life forms. Most animals and plants contain
more than 60% water by volume. Without water life would probably
Ayurveda (ALRCA),
the water sources. Water is not only important for drinking but also for
transport, trade and agriculture. Water makes up more than two thirds
of human body weight, and without water, we would die in a few days.
The human brain is made up of 95% water; blood is 82% and lungs
90%. A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration, furry
short-term memory, trouble with fundamental arithmetic and difficulty focus on smaller
issue.[1] The theory of Panchamahabhutas, are basics of our body and nature. Jala mahabhuta
(water) is one among them. Jala is the substance with existence and is an essence of
elemental source. Water is considered to be Jeeva (life) in Ayurvedic perception.[2] This
article comprises to communicate regarding properties, types, medicinal values and effect of
Jala on life in both Ayurveda and modern view.
KEYWORDS: Jala, Panchamahabhutas, Agrya Dravya, water, thirst.
INTRODUCTION
Jeevanam Jeeveenaam Jeevau Jagat Sarvantu Tanmayam Naato Atyanta Nishedhena
Kadaachit Vaari Vaaryate B.P.Ni. 13/74.
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Jivana (water) is the essence of life, the whole world is made up of it, and hence avoiding
water completely is not possible at all.
International World Water Day has been observed annually on 22nd March since 1993, as a
means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the
sustainable management of freshwater resources.[3]
The first mechanism that the body has designed to make a person aware of its needs for water
is thirst. Thirst is a basic instinct and if only this mechanism works properly and we feel
thirsty whenever there is a need for water in the body. Water is a universal solvent for ions,
required for cell signaling, enzyme activation, mineralization of organic compounds and
properties. Water also plays a key role in digestion, removal of toxins and lubrication of
cavities such as joints. It is also involved in epithelial transport, hormone release, cell
proliferation, migration and cell death. It sounds so simple; H20 - two parts hydrogen and one
part oxygen, and is one of the most essential elements to health. It protects cells and organism
from temperature swings, due to its ability to absorb and lose heat without undergoing a large
temperature change (Wertzmanet. et. al., 1980; Manz et.al., 2005).
An average adult body contains 42 litres of water and with just a small loss of 2.7 litres he or
she can suffer from dehydration, displaying symptoms of irritability, fatigue, nervousness,
dizziness, weakness, headaches and consequently reach a state of pathology.
Structure of Water
At its most basic, fluid (water) is a molecule with one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms,
bonded together by shared electrons. It is a V-shaped polar molecule, which means that it
charged positively near the hydrogen atoms and negatively near the oxygen atom. Water
molecules are naturally attracted and stick to each other because of this polarity, forming a
hydrogen bond.
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Physical Properties
Water (H2O) is the most abundant compound on Earth's surface, covering 70 percent of the
planet. It is in dynamic equilibrium between the liquid and gas states at standard temperature
and pressure. At room temperature, it is a tasteless and odorless liquid, nearly colorless with
a hint of blue. Many substances dissolve in water and it is commonly referred to as the
universal solvent. Because of this, water in nature and in use is rarely pure and some
properties may vary from those of the pure substance. However, there are also many
compounds that are essentially, if not completely, insoluble in water. Water is the only
common substance found naturally in all three common states of matter (solid, liquid, and
gas) and it is essential for all life on Earth. Water makes up 55% to 78% of the human
body.[4]
Jala (Water)
Ayurvedic literature explains the theory of Panchamahabhutas, which are fundamentals of
our body and nature. Jala mahabhuta is one among them. Jala is the substance with
existence. It is a substance of primordial origin. Water is considered to be Jeeva (life) in
Ayurvedic concepts. It is Madhura (sweet), Sheetala (cold) and Ruchikaraka (tasty). Water is
wholesome as it has all the six tastes (Rasas) which are Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour),
Lavana (salty), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent). It has rupa, rasa,
sparsha, drava & snigdha gunas. It relieves Daha (thirst), Moha (loss of mental block),
Bhrama (giddiness), Nidra (sleepy feeling), Alasya (lazyness), Visha (toxins); it acts as
Jeernakari (effectively digests food), Truptikara (provides immense satisfaction to thirsty
person), provides Buddhi (intelligence), Bala (strength), Veerya (potency: ability to function),
Tushti (satisfaction), Pushti (energy) to Nashta anga (debilitated parts of the body). In Jala
mahabhuta Satwa and Tama guna are in predominance. Ayurveda categorize different types
of water based on place of origin and availability. Quality of water flown in different rivers is
also told to have different properties.
Synonyms of Jala
Paniya Water intended to drink, Salila Good, Nira Clear liquid, Kilaala Heavenly drink,
Aapa Water, Payasa Water nurturing like milk, Jeevana Giving life, Amruta Superior
quality of liquid, Paya/payasa Water having qualities similar to milk, free flowing water,
Ambhu Water from clouds, Pushkarambhu Water with lotus, Pathya Wholesome for
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everyone, Vari Free flowing water, Kamalaambhu Water where lotus are grown. (Bh. Ni.
Varivarga).[5]
Types of Jala (water)
Various Ayurvedic scriptures have mentioned different type of Jala according to its Rasa,
Guna, Virya and Vipaka in distinguish Jalavarga.
Antariksha Jala
Bhauma Jala
Nadijala
Dushtajala
Hamsodaka
1. Antarikhsa Jala: It also called as Divya Jala [6], which is rains from Akasa. It has
Avyakta rasa, Laghu guna, Sita veerya & Madhura vipaka. Having Jivaniya, Tarpaka,
Dharaka, Asvasanakara, Pathya properties and Indicated in Srama (exhaustion), Klama
(mental fatigue), Pipasa (thirst), Mada (intoxication), Murcha (Fainting), Tandra
(drowsiness), Nidra (excessive sleep), Daha (burning sensation).[7]
Acharya Susruta also explained that after the falling of rain water on the ground, it receives
different Rasas i.e. Madhuradi Shadrasa and particular place i.e. river, well, pond etc. and
due to various rasa, environment, soil, season and place, it defines various type of water.[8]
Types of Antariksa Jala
Antariksa Jala is divided into four types i.e. Dhara, Kara, Tausara, Haima. Among these
types, Dhara Jala is best due to its Laghu property. Dhara Jala is subdivided into two types
i.e. Ganga jala & Samudra jala.[9]
1 .Ganga jala
(Which is derived from the Ganga)
Properties: Revitalizing, satisfy, comforting
(healthy) to the heart (mind), refreshing,
stimulating the intellect, thin, of impermeable
tastes, slightly sweet, cold (coolant), easily
digestible nectar-like in property/effect, are the
properties of Gangambu (rain water) which was
fallen from the sky, coming in contact with
sunlight, moonlight and wind. Its good or bad,
depends chiefly on the region and season.
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2. Samudra jala
(Which is derived from the Sea)
Ganga type of water rains in the month of
Asvayuja (September October) and it is
better than Samudra Jala. If rains in this
month, it is similar to Ganga Jala in its
properties.
All other kinds of water are called Samudra
(sea water), they should not be used for
drinking except during Asvayuja
(September-October/autumn season).
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It is not good in all seasons. In olden days rain The terms Gangambu (also called
water used to be pure and so good for healthy,
Aindrambu) and Samudrambu also denote
but not so now-a-days. With the increasing
potable (pure-drinkable) water and
industrialization, the atmosphere has become
unpotable (contaminated, unsuited for
contaminated with poisonous gases, fumes and drinking) respectively. During Asvayuja
dust, so the rain water coming down from the
month there will be the appearance of
clouds gets polluted to a great extent, because
Agastya naksatra (the star Canopus) which
of this only we hear of sour rain, salty rain,
is said to remove the poisonous properties
crimson rain etc. frequently. Use of such
of water and other things of the earth,
polluted rain water for drinking is not good for
hence permission to use other kinds of
health.
water also for drinking during this season.
Only that rain water which makes the boiled rice kept in a clean silver plate neither too moist
nor change its color is to considered as good for drinking.
Rain water, collected in a good vessel and which has not become changed (in color taste,
touch etc.,) should be used for drinking always. In its absence, the water of the earth, which
resembles rainwater (in all its qualities), collected from places which are clean and immense,
having black or white soil, and exposed to sunlight and breeze.[10]
(2) Bhauma Jala
Bhauma jala is divided into several types, according to its place[11 & 12]
Sl.No.
Type of Jala
Rasa
Guna
Karma
Kaupa Jala
(Well water)
Madhura
Laghu
Deepana
Tadaga Jala
(Pond water)
Madhura,
Guru
Kasaya
4
5
6
7
8
9
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Madhura
Laghu
Laghu
Madhura, Laghu,
Kasaya
Ruksa
Laghu,
Madhura
Visada
Dosaghnata
Tridosahara. If Taste of
water is Ksara (alkaline) it
aggravates Pitta and
decreases Vata and Kapha
It aggravates Vayu
and useful in blood
disorders
Pitta Kaphahara
If it is madhura
Kaphakrit,
Vatapittahara
Pittahara
If it is Ksara (alkaline), it
aggravates Pitta and
decreases Vata Kapha
Dipana, Ruchikara,
Vatakara
Balya, Rocana,
Trsnaghna,
Kaphahara
Malamutrabandhaka
Dipana, Pacana
Pitta Kaphahara
Madhura
Guru,
Abhisyandi
Tridosakara
Madhura
Guru,
Abhisyandi
Tridosakara
Madhura
Laghu
Prinana, Balya,
Pittahara
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Dahahara,
Vatakara
(Piercing earth
water)
10
Nadeya Jala
(River water)
Katu
Ruksa,
Laghu,
Visada
Dipana, Vatakara
Kapha Pittahara
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Magha
Sarojata
Jala
Tadagaja
Jala
(January)
Phalguna
(February) &
Bhadarapada
(August)
Kaupasambhuta
Jala
Chaitra
(March)&Ash
win
(September)
Caundya Jala
Vaisakh
a (April)
Jyaistha
(May)
Asadha
(June)
Shravana
(July)
Kartika
Margasirsa
(October)
(November)
Nairjara
Jala
Audbhida
Jala
Kaupa
Jala
Divya Jala
Sarva
Jala
Sarva Jala
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starchy masthu (whey), takra (butter milk) and amlakanjika (fermented gruel) are good.
Honey water to make stout person to lean.[24]
Jala Paripaka kaala:(Duration for digestion):Normal or cold water consumed is going to
digest in 6 hrs(2 yama), Boiled and cooled water in 3 hrs(1 yama) and boiled and warm water
in 1.30 hrs(1/2 yama).[25]
Principles to avoid ingestion of water (Jalapana varjya)
Water should not be consumed or consumed in very little quantity, if unavoidable due to
debility, by those suffering from poor digestive function, tumors of the abdomen, anemia, and
enlargement of the abdomen, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and diseases of the duodenum,
consumption or dropsy. Except in sarad (autumn) and Nidagha (summer) even healthy
persons should drink less quantity of water (in all other seasons).[26]
Ayurveda denote methods to identify impure water and suggests several techniques like use
of herbs and metals like copper to enhance the quality of drinking water. Many of these
techniques can be practiced even today.
Methods to identify impure water
Many methods, based on sensorial aspects were adopted to identify impure water. Presence
of streaks, froth, bubbles, sharp aroma, death of frogs and fish while coastal birds are
intoxicated, shadows not appearing in water, representing the turbidity of water shadows, if
visible, appear in twos, smaller or abnormal.
Water Purification Methods
There are many methods of water treatment in Ayurveda. These are generally non- specific as
in the present day context wherein it is removal of harmful chemicals or pathogenic
microorganisms in water. The traditional methods emphasized on physiological (curative,
health promoting) benefits.
The methods of water treatment included boiling (Shrutashita jala), exposure to sun rays
during day and moonlight during nights (Hamsodaka), using Traditional Herbs such as Tulsi
(Ocimum sanctum), Jeera (Cuminum cyminum), Pattanga (Cesalpinia sapan), Ushira
(Vetiveria zizanioides) are routinely added to drinking water to enhance their physiological
property as a local health tradition, precious stones (Suryamani), metals and minerals.
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alive. Those organs that do not play life supporting roles like the muscles and joints are
denied a proper supply of water. The diversion of water to a few organs results in chronic
dehydration of other organs, which are unable to carry on their function in the absence of the
necessary water.
Several organs in the body of modern man, who consumes very little water, instead
substituting it with tea, coffee, colas, beer and fruit drinks will continue to suffer from
dehydration. But as the thirst mechanism has failed in the person, he rarely feels thirsty. This
unfortunate situation continues for months or years, till a stage comes when an organ loaded
with toxins completely fails, leading to the manifestation of some chronic disease.
Acharyas has considered Jala as Agrya Dravya (prime substance). Charakacharya described
Jala as a best Ashvasanakara.[28] Rasanendriya (tongue), Sweda (sweat), Kleda (moisture),
Vasa (fat), Rakta (blood), Shukra (semen), Muthra (urine) etc., are the representation of Jala
mahabhuta in components of body. Various Ayurvedic literatures have mentioned different
type of Jala according to its Rasa, Guna, Virya and Vipaka like Antariksha Jala, Bhauma
Jala, Nadijala, Dushtajala and Hamsodaka.
Water consumption is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Drinking water with contaminants will
reverse the benefits of pure water. Classical texts also include aspects of quality control of
water. These included the source of origin, the place of collection, season and various
sensorial parameters like color, taste and smell. Methods of water treatment also has been
described in Ayurvedic literature which included Shrutashita jala, Hamsodaka, using herbs
like Jeera, Vetiver, Ginger Sarasaparilla, anantamula and amla etc., Suryamani lime metals
and minerals.
Many of these methods are significant even today. For example, the use of sunrays is now
practiced widely in many developing countries of Asia and Africa for water purification. Use
of copper for microbial water purification also substantiates the ancient recommendation of
storing drinking water in copper containers. Pure water is the best water to drink and to avoid
any contaminants from entering your body. Hence in conclusion, we can recommend to
follow these methods to lead healthy way of life.
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REFERENCES
1. Water, A Miracle therapy, by A. R. Hari Edition, Pustak Mahal Delhi., 2006; 8.
2. Sri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Commented by Dr. K.C.Chunekar, edited by
Dr. G.S. Pandey, Chaukhambha Bharathi Academy, reprint, Varivarga Cha 13, Shloka.,
2006; 2: 747.
3. "Background information on World Water Day, 22 March". Retrieved 14., May 2015.
4. Re: What percentage of the human body is composed of water?, The MadSci Network.
5. Sri Bhavamishra. Bhavaprakasha nighantu,commented by Dr. k.c.Chunekar, edited by Dr.
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Sanskrit series, Varanasi. Sutrasthana, cha 45, shloka., 1954; 7: 168.
10. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya, Translated by K.R.
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15. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya, Translated by Prof. K.R. Srikantha Murthy Principal,
krishnadas academy, varanasi. Chowkamba Press, Varanasi, First Edition. Sutrasthana ,
cha5, shloka., 1991; 54: 6-7.
16. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya,
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26. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya, Translated by Prof. K.R. Srikantha Murthy Principal,
krishnadas academy, varanasi. Chowkamba Press, Varanasi, First Edition. 1991.
Sutrasthana, cha5, shloka., 1991; 56: 13-14.
27. Water encyclopediae.
28. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita, Revised by Charaka and Dridhabala with Ayurveda
Deepika commentry of Chakrapanidatta,translated by Sharma and Bhagwan Das. 2nd
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425.
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